PRESIDENT SERZH SARGSYAN’S ADDRESS ON THE OCCASION OF ARMY DAY

ARMENPRESS
Jan 28, 2009

YEREVAN, JANUARY 28, ARMENPRESS: President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan
addressed a congratulatory message on the occasion of the Army
day. Presidential press service told Armenpress that the message
runs as follows: "Dear Compatriots, I congratulate all of us on the
occasion of Army Day.

Today, we are celebrating one of the greatest achievements of our
independence – the Day of the Armenian Army. Seventeen years ago, when
our independence was in peril, the establishment of the army became the
imperative of the day. The Armenian army was formed and forged in the
blazes of war and from day one it has been showing its best qualities –
a boundless dedication to the Motherland, the unbending combat courage
and a victorious spirit, and we because of these qualities were able
to win and to reinforce our free will to live by our own values.

For us our Army is the matter of national pride, while for our
adversaries it is a powerful means of deterrence and caution, the
means whose power and abilities make it possible for many years now
to maintain a fragile peace. We realize that we own that peace to our
troops, who serve every day, who stay in their positions and in the
trenches every day, to our officers and generals, to our brave sons.

Dear officers and soldiers, Serving in the army is a great mission, but
serving in a victorious army brings honor and responsibility to that
mission. History has rooted a deep esteem for the Armenian army in our
people and not surprisingly even for foreigners the Armenian warrior
is a symbol of great courage and valor. It is for that reason that in
our society the military profession is one of the most respected ones.

Armenia is concluding yet another stage of reforms in its armed
forces. Our task is to have a modern, combat ready, and a constantly
developing strong army, anchored on the most progressive experience
and victorious traditions of the Armenian military.

Dear Compatriots, Let us congratulate all those who have participated
to our fight for freedom, who have served in our armed forces, who
have made their contribution to the establishment and strengthening of
our army. We remember all those who participated at the army-building
mission, our brothers-in-arms and friends, who gave everything for
Armenia’s present and future. And we bow to the memory of each soldier
and each officer who gave their lives for Armenia.

On this festive day I wish you peace and new achievements, and I wish
our troops good service and success.

Long live the Republic of Armenia and long live the Armenian Army!"